Integrating Technology _ Effective Learning _ Engaging Citizenship and Constructive Learning

What does it take to be a 21st century citizen who integrates technology effectively?

Wow...beyond a month since I posted, but as I read my past blog I feel my answer is relevant to my needs now.

The semester is quickly ending; however, each day I have new questions. My knowledge and skill in integrating and applying technology into education is increasing. The technology integration process requires management and application. It requires that the individual become a lifelong learner.

During the last two semesters, Dr. Whitehead pushed my thinking into new areas; I quickly realized that I carried lots of baggage and myths about learning. I became a strong advocate for using social networking tools as a method to enhance my personal and professional learning. (Example FAA)

First, why is integrating technology important? Witness the fast global market place; the world market created vast differences and similarities across regions and countries. I believe we are all aware of the differences and shared similarities. Regional and global economical, environmental, political and social issues influence our educational system. It influences what we expect the learner must know and must be able to do.

Communication and technology skills can help to link people. Social networking helps to reduce the complexity of issues because it encourages collaboration between diverse populations.

Nearly a decade ago, education centered on the digital divide, although this hiatus is less, it remains an issue. The educator must be cognizant of its implications. Past indicators of a digital divide included having access to computers, software, Internet connection, skills and training, classroom and work application. http://wvde.state.wv.us/data/digitaldivide/
Digital Divide Survey information is self-reported technology survey data collected from WV K-12 schools.

Today the achievement gap is the discussion topic of discussion. Federal policy, No Child Left Behind, statewide standards, and state achievement tests are driving forces. Indicators of achievement include state and national assessments, school and county comparisons, attendance and graduate rates, retention and college going rate, career and technical placement data, and advance placement performance. These are accountability indicators.

Today this digital divide may include the ability to access and utilized social networking tools; such as Facebook, Google Maps, Twitter, texting, instant messaging, Wikipedia, or online collaborative. These emerging social networking tools are helping to define new core curriculum, skills, content, and technologies. These new technologies are creating new workplace / social performance standard and guiding the lifelong learning process. Social networking tools are building communities of active collaborative learners.

The proposed framework is to integrate technology and achievement standards. The essential components include:

· Recognize and promote that learning is a lifelong process. Achievement is lifelong goal; technology provides a process to lifelong learning.
· Expose students to technology early. There is an immediacy to use technology now. How do we rapidly integrate new emerging technologies into existing curriculum?
· Adopt technology performance standards for age and grade levels and within the specific discipline and profession. Standards and performances are like kindergarten requirements there is a need. Do we need to create technology literacy standards that are age and grade appropriate?
· Place emphasis on technology in curriculum development and teaching to broaden student depth, versatility, and skill development. This should include developing curriculum that supports team learning, communication, and problem solving.
· Teach technology and curriculum emphasizing research thinking, rather than memorization and tests scores.
· Promote and encourage balance and diversity. In problem solving and team building, balance seeks create common ground. The Supreme Court justices often issue a minority opinion; it provides an outlet to recognize diversity and future thinking.
· Evaluate technology to quantify and qualify information.
· Apply information not ‘computer technology’ to solve the problem. How do we use new information? Is cumulative knowledge as important as the actual application and ability to make future inquiry?
· Develop and link software development, curriculum standards and specific learning objectives.
· Create larger system wide thinking. I like the Land Grant College(WVU) mission that supports teaching, research and service. I cannot think of a better way to empower individuals, communities, and other systems. Service is crucial in how we join communities. We must recognize that communities of the ‘have’ and the ‘have not’ exist. The Land Grant College was created to bring practical knowledge to communities. It mission remains relevant and clear.

The land grant college in the 1860's was teaching modern agriculture methods to communities of interested learners. The same is integrating technology into communities of interested learners.

Feel free to post / share your comments. I like to incorporate your thinking into my final reflective paper. Thanks.

Frank